At Plan International Canada, Earth Day is so much more than an event or a day in the calendar. It marks our commitment to protecting our environment and educating the next generation to do the same.

We know that the climate is changing and have noticed an increase in natural disasters around the world. To mitigate the risks of these disasters and help save lives, we’re committed to engaging youth to help their communities become more resilient to the impact.

They participate and help design local programs and are given the opportunity to share what action they believe their governments should take to protect their futures. Youth are also being taught how to green their communities and become disaster risk management leaders.

The environment continues to grow as a priority area for us and we will be incorporating it further into our work. In addition to youth, we also work to build community in areas at-risk of natural disasters. Establishing support networks reduces how vulnerable people will be, if and when disaster strikes.

On behalf of the children we work with, Happy Earth Day! We hope these photos give you some hope for the future of our planet.

Vietnam

Children in Vietnam learn how to grow plants. Activity facilitated by the Green Generation Network, a network of youth organizations and individuals who want to take action for a sustainable way of life.

Nepal

Girl from Nepal who participated in consultations with Plan International on the action she wants governments to take to stop climate change.

Myanmar

Children in Myanmar planting trees as part of their lesson on climate change awareness.

Philippines

Marinel is from the Philippines and participates in Plan International’s climate change adaptation projects and teaches at youth camps to pass on her knowledge. She’s also in the film The girl and the typhoon.

Togo

Three girls holding signs that read ‘Act for the Planet’ in French. Girls from Togo hold up signs that say: Act for the planet. As part of the Safe School Project, children learned about climate change and how to create green spaces that serves as windbreaks.

You can save children’s lives

Plan International has been doing emergency response work for over 80 years. And we know that when disaster strikes, children are the most vulnerable. You can help us provide safe spaces, water, food and shelter by supporting our Emergency Relief Fund.

About Plan International

Founded in 1937, we are one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people around the world to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, we have only one agenda: to improve the lives of children.